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An Intimate Journey Along the River Nile – Day 1

Article posted: November 30th, 2009 by Administrator | No Comments »

Firstly, I should introduce myself. I am Amanda and my role is Executive Manager of Cruise and Travel. I am writing this blog as I begin my 5 day journey on board Uniworld’s ‘River Tosca’ on their Egypt & the Nile River Cruise.

DAY 1:  Cairo doesn’t have peak hour traffic it has Peak Day traffic and Saturday is one of them. We were met at Cairo airport this morning just after getting off the plane, by the local Uniworld Representative. He assisted us in getting our visas, purchased for USD15 at any one of the banks just after the arrivals hall. Don’t waste time getting them before you go it is just as cheap and easy to get them on arrival….

Our guide assisted us through customs and on to the luggage carousal and had porters waiting to assist us with luggage…

The journey into the city took approx 45 minutes made more comfortable by the luxury airconditioned coach and the complimentary bottle of water provided by Uniworld.

Our destination “Four Seasons Cairo at Nile Plaza” a beautiful 5 star hotel located opposite the Nile River.

Time for a quick shower and change from travelling clothes and we were back down in the lobby to venture to the local markets Khan el-Khalili an exhilarating taxi ride and EGP20 from the hotel….Tantalizing odours met us as we got out of the taxi, so did a local gentleman who offered to show us around. First to a spice shop, then on to a jewellers to buy a cartouche, all the while meandering the back lanes of the local markets. Just on dusk at around 5.40pm we hear the Muslim call to prayer from one of the thousands of  minarets that grace the skyline of this ancient city.

Be sure to visit a  Papyrus Studio for original hand painted papyrus art….  Another quick taxi ride back to the hotel for an early night and the dream of my Egyptian adventure to start tomorrow when we hit the Pyramids… Good night Cairo…. 

Search here  for Egypt and the Nile River Cruises.